The Constitution

Basic Principles of the Constitution

“… freedom of men under government is to have a standing rule to live by, common to every one of that society, and made by the legislative power erected in it. A liberty to follow my own will in all things where that rule prescribes not, not to be subject to the inconstant, uncertain, unknown, arbitrary will of another man, …”
— John Locke

Constitutionalism — Sometimes equated with the “Rule of Law”, holds that government can and should be legally limited in its powers, and that its authority depends on enforcing those limitations.

Constitutionalism is the idea, often associated with the political theories of John Locke and the “founders” of the American republic, and equated with the concept of the “Rule of Law”, that government can and should be legally limited in its powers, and that its authority depends on enforcing these limitations. The following links and documents explore this concept in more detail.

"Following the Constitution back to one nation under God; indivisible; with liberty and justice for all."

Founders Quotes

"To take from one, because it is thought his own industry and that of his father has acquired too much, in order to spare to others, who, or whose fathers, have not exercised equal industry and skill, is to violate arbitrarily the first principle of association, the guarantee to everyone the free exercise of his industry and the fruits acquired by it."